Meaning of enlighten in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ɪnˈlaɪtn/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   enlighten

   Etymology

   Middle English (in the sense ‘make luminous’; formerly also as inlighten): in early use from Old Englishinlīhtan ‘to shine’; later from en-, in-(as an intensifier) + lighten or the noun light

   Definitions

   1. make understand

   Examples

   • « Can you enlighten me--I don't understand this proposal »
2. 2. give spiritual insight to

   Examples

   • « in religion »
3. 3. make free from confusion or ambiguity

   Examples

   • « make clear »
   • « Could you clarify these remarks? »
   • « Clear up the question of who is at fault »